Prosthetic valve with overlapping atrial tissue anchors and ventricular tissue anchors

ABSTRACT

A prosthetic valve for implantation within a native heart valve may be provided. The prosthetic valve may include an annular outer frame having a plurality of ventricular anchoring legs extending therefrom, as well as an inner frame having a plurality of atrial anchoring arms extending therefrom. A portion of each ventricular anchoring leg may be configured to overlap with a portion of each atrial anchoring arm in a common lateral plane. As a result, a prosthetic valve with a reduced axial length may be provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/560,384, filed Sep. 19, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to prosthetic valves and delivery systems for prosthetic valves. More specifically, this disclosure relates to prosthetic heart valves and methods thereof.

BACKGROUND

The native heart valves (the tricuspid valve, pulmonary valve, mitral valve, and aortic valve) play an important role in regulating flow of blood through the cardiovascular system. However, the native heart valves may become damaged or impaired due to, for example, cardiovascular diseases, infections, or congenital malformations, thus limiting the ability of the native heart valves to regulate blood flow. This deficiency may result in reduced cardiovascular function or even death.

To treat these conditions, prosthetic heart valves may be implanted at or near the site of a damaged or impaired native valve. A prosthetic heart valve may assist or replace the functionality of an impaired native valve, leading to better regulation of blood flow and improved cardiovascular function. However, many existing prosthetic heart valves require implantation via an open heart procedure, which is highly-invasive and may cause life-threatening complications. Other prosthetic valves may be collapsed within a prosthetic valve delivery system and advanced into the heart, at which point the prosthetic valve may be removed from the delivery system and expanded at the native valve site. However, many of these prosthetic valves are large in size and therefore difficult to deliver into the heart without causing damage to healthy tissue along the implantation route. In addition, once these prosthetic valves are situated within the heart, they may be difficult to securely implant at the native valve site due to their complex structure and the limited maneuverability of existing prosthetic valve delivery systems within the heart. Moreover, many prosthetic valves are so large that they may protrude several centimeters into surrounding heart chambers once they are implanted, impairing cardiac filling and causing injury to the anatomy within the heart.

Thus, there remains a need for prosthetic heart valves that are smaller in size but that are still configured to assist or replace the functionality of a diseased or damaged native heart valve. In addition, there remains a need for prosthetic heart valves that are more easily maneuvered into the heart and securely implanted at the site of a native heart valve. Moreover, there remains a need for improved prosthetic heart valve delivery systems that are configured to securely implant a prosthetic heart valve at an implantation site. The present disclosure provides prosthetic heart valves with a reduced axial length such that the prosthetic heart valves may be more easily delivered into the heart and may exhibit less protrusion into the chambers of the heart. The present disclosure also provides improved prosthetic heart valve delivery systems and methods of implanting prosthetic heart valves, such that prosthetic heart valves may be securely anchored at the implantation site.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure discloses prosthetic valves for implantation within a native mitral valve and methods for implanting prosthetic valves within a native mitral valve. Particular examples of the disclosure may pertain to a prosthetic valve having overlapping atrial tissue anchors and ventricular tissue anchors.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a prosthetic valve for implantation within a native heart valve is provided. The prosthetic valve includes an annular outer frame having a plurality of ventricular anchoring legs configured to extend therefrom. The prosthetic valve additionally includes an inner frame positioned at least partially within the annular outer frame. The inner frame includes a plurality of atrial anchoring arms configured to extend therefrom. A portion of each of the plurality of ventricular anchoring legs is configured to overlap with a portion of each of the plurality of atrial anchoring arms in a common lateral plane.

The common lateral plane is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve. The atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs are configured to extend radially outward from the inner frame and from the annular outer frame, respectively. The prosthetic valve has an axial length of two centimeters or less. The prosthetic valve is configured to protrude a distance of 15 millimeters or less into a ventricle of the heart when the prosthetic valve is implanted within the native heart valve. An entire length of at least one ventricular anchoring leg is configured to extend in a non-ventricular direction. At least one atrial anchoring arm includes a first portion configured to extend in an atrial direction and a second portion configured to extend in a ventricular direction. A diameter defined by terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms is at least twice as large as a diameter of an inlet opening of the inner frame. An axial length of the prosthetic valve is at least as large as a radius of an inlet opening of the inner frame. An axial length of the inner frame is at least as large as a radius of an inlet opening of the inner frame. The prosthetic valve includes a plurality of leaflets secured within the inner frame. At least one of the leaflets has a radius of between thirteen and fifteen millimeters. An axial length of the prosthetic valve is at least as large as the radius of at least one of the leaflets secured within the inner frame. An axial length of the inner frame is at least as large as a radius of at least one of the leaflets secured within the inner frame. A diameter defined by terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms is at least 1.2 times larger than a diameter defined by terminal ends of the ventricular anchoring legs. A diameter defined by terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms is at least 2.5 times larger than an axial length of the prosthetic valve. The diameter defined by the terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms is between 2.6 and 2.9 times larger than the axial length of the prosthetic valve. The inner frame has a greater axial length than the annular outer frame. A portion of at least one ventricular anchoring leg is configured to be substantially aligned in a common lateral plane with an atrial end of the inner frame. At least one ventricular anchoring leg is configured to extend from a single portion of the annular outer frame. None of the ventricular anchoring legs share a common connection point to the annular outer frame. At least one atrial anchoring arm is configured to extend from a single portion of the inner frame. None of the atrial anchoring arms share a common connection point to the inner frame.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attained by the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are examples and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments as claimed.

The accompanying drawings constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments as set forth in the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 A illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary frame for a prosthetic valve, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary frame of FIG. 1A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front elevation view of another exemplary frame for a prosthetic valve, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B illustrates a top plan view of the exemplary frame of FIG. 2A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2C illustrates an enlarged view of an atrial anchoring arm and a ventricular anchoring leg of the exemplary frame of FIG. 2A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2D illustrates another front elevation view of the exemplary frame of FIG. 2A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2E illustrates another top plan view of the exemplary frame of FIG. 2A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front elevation view of an inner frame of the exemplary frame of FIG. 2A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates an enlarged view of an atrial anchoring arm of the exemplary inner frame of FIG. 3A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3C illustrates a front elevation view of an outer frame of the exemplary frame of FIG. 2A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3D illustrates an enlarged view of a ventricular anchoring leg of the exemplary outer frame of FIG. 3C, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary frame of FIG. 2A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B illustrates an enlarged view of a volume between an atrial anchoring arm and a ventricular anchoring leg of the exemplary frame of FIG. 4A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate structural changes in the exemplary frame of FIG. 2A during transitioning of the frame between a radially-contracted configuration and a radially-expanded configuration, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary prosthetic valve, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary prosthetic valve of FIG. 6A without leaflets, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary prosthetic valve of FIG. 6A with leaflets, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6D illustrates a top plan view of the exemplary prosthetic valve of FIG. 6A with uninflated leaflets, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6E illustrates a top plan view of the exemplary prosthetic valve of FIG. 6A with inflated leaflets, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary prosthetic valve delivery system, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B illustrates an enlarged view of a delivery capsule of the exemplary prosthetic valve delivery system of FIG. 7A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7C illustrates an exemplary configuration of a telescoping catheter assembly and the delivery capsule of the exemplary prosthetic valve delivery system of FIG. 7A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7D illustrates another exemplary configuration of the telescoping catheter assembly and delivery capsule of FIG. 7C, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A illustrates another enlarged view of the exemplary delivery capsule of the prosthetic valve delivery system of FIG. 7A in a closed configuration, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B illustrates the exemplary delivery capsule of FIG. 8A in an open configuration, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8C illustrates an interior view of the exemplary delivery capsule of FIG. 8A in the closed configuration, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates advancement of the exemplary prosthetic valve delivery system of FIG. 7A into the left atrium, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 10A-10H depict implantation of the prosthetic valve of FIGS. 6A-6E within a native mitral valve by the exemplary prosthetic valve delivery system of FIG. 7A, consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. Also, the words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other similar forms are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It should also be noted that as used in the present disclosure and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an “atrial direction” may refer to a direction extending towards an atrium of the heart. For example, from a location within the left ventricle or the mitral valve, an atrial direction may refer to a direction extending towards the left atrium. Additionally, from a location within an atrium (e.g., the left atrium), an atrial direction may refer to a direction extending away from an adjacent atrioventricular valve (e.g., the mitral valve) and further into the atrium. For example, in FIGS. 10G and 10H, an atrial direction may refer to a direction extending upwards from prosthetic valve 6000 towards atrium 9010. In some exemplary embodiments, an atrial direction need not necessarily be parallel to a longitudinal axis of a prosthetic valve (e.g., longitudinal axis 2800 illustrated in FIG. 2A), so long as the direction is angled towards an atrium. The atrial direction may be parallel to a longitudinal axis of a prosthetic valve in some cases. In some embodiments, a “non-ventricular direction” may refer to a direction that does not extend towards a ventricle of the heart. A “non-ventricular direction” may extend in an atrial direction, or it may extend laterally in a direction perpendicular to a ventricular direction.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a “ventricular direction” may refer to a direction extending towards a ventricle of the heart. From a location within the left atrium or the mitral valve, a ventricular direction may refer to a direction extending towards the left ventricle. Additionally, from a location within a ventricle (e.g., the left ventricle), a ventricular direction may refer to a direction extending away from an adjacent atrioventricular valve (e.g., the mitral valve) and further into the ventricle. For example, in FIGS. 10G and 10H, a ventricular direction may refer to a direction extending downwards from prosthetic valve 6000 towards ventricle 9020. In some exemplary embodiments, a ventricular direction need not necessarily be parallel to a longitudinal axis of a prosthetic valve (e.g., longitudinal axis 2800 illustrated in FIG. 2A), so long as the direction is angled towards a ventricle. The ventricular direction may be parallel to a longitudinal axis of a prosthetic valve in some cases. In some embodiments, a “non-atrial direction” may refer to a direction that does not extend towards an atrium of the heart. A non-atrial direction may extend in a ventricular direction, or it may extend laterally in a direction perpendicular to an atrial direction.

Exemplary embodiments generally relate to prosthetic valves for implantation within a native valve and methods for implanting prosthetic valves within a native valve. In addition, exemplary embodiments generally relate to systems and methods for implantation of prosthetic valves by prosthetic valve delivery systems. While the present disclosure provides examples relating to prosthetic heart valves, and in particular prosthetic mitral valves, as well as delivery systems for prosthetic heart valves, it should be noted that aspects of the disclosure in their broadest sense are not limited to a prosthetic heart valve. Rather, the foregoing principles may be applied to other prosthetic valves as well. In various embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure, the term prosthetic valve refers generally to an implantable valve configured to restore and/or replace the functionality of a native valve, such as a diseased or otherwise impaired native heart valve.

An exemplary prosthetic valve may include a prosthetic valve configured to render a native valve structure non-functional, and may thus replace the function of the native valve. For example, an exemplary prosthetic valve may have a size and shape similar to the valve being replaced and may include a number of leaflet-like structures to regulate fluid flow and prevent backflow of blood through the valve. Additionally, or alternatively, an exemplary prosthetic valve may also include a prosthetic valve configured to leave the native valve structure intact and functional. An exemplary prosthetic valve may include a mitral valve, tricuspid valve, aortic valve, or pulmonary valve, as well as a valve outside of the heart, such as a venous valve, lymph node valve, ileocecal valve, or any other structure configured to control and/or regulate fluid flow in the body. An exemplary prosthetic valve may additionally or alternatively be configured to replace a failed bioprosthesis, such as a failed heart valve prosthesis.

FIG. 1 A illustrates a front elevation view of an exemplary frame 1000 for a prosthetic valve. FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of frame 1000. Frame 1000 may be constructed of a shape memory material such as nickel titanium alloy (Nitinol) and may be configured to support other components of the prosthetic valve, such as prosthetic leaflets and protective cover layers. Frame 1000 may include an annular outer frame 1200 and an inner frame 1400 situated at least partially within the outer frame 1200. Annular outer frame 1200 and inner frame 1400 may be secured together by pins, screws, welding, soldering, adhesive, magnets, and/or any other suitable mechanism. For example, FIGS. 1 A and 1B depict annular outer frame 1200 and inner frame 1400 connected by a plurality of connector pins 1040.

Annular outer frame 1200 may include an outer frame tubular portion 1220, which may be formed of a plurality of struts intersecting at junctions to form a wire mesh, stent-like, or cage-like structure of the outer frame tubular portion 1220. Annular outer frame 1200 may also include at least one ventricular anchoring leg 1240, which may be configured to extend radially outward from the outer frame tubular portion and which may contact, or otherwise engage, tissue within or near the native valve to anchor the prosthetic valve within the native valve. In some embodiments, exemplary valve frame 1000 may include twelve ventricular anchoring legs 1240, which may be configured to engage ventricular tissue of a native atrioventricular valve.

Inner frame 1400 may include an inner frame tubular portion 1420, which may be formed of a plurality of struts intersecting at junctions to form a wire mesh, stent-like, or cage-like structure of the inner frame tubular portion 1420. Inner frame 1400 may also include at least one atrial anchoring arm 1440, which may be configured to extend radially outward from the inner frame tubular portion and which may contact, or otherwise engage, tissue within or near the native valve to anchor the prosthetic valve within the native valve. In some embodiments, exemplary valve frame 1000 may include twelve atrial anchoring arms 1440, which may be configured to engage atrial tissue of a native atrioventricular valve.

Outer frame tubular portion 1220 and inner frame tubular portion 1420 may together form an annular valve body 1020 of the prosthetic valve, which may have at least one opening and from which the ventricular anchoring legs 1240 and atrial anchoring arms 1440 may extend. Annular valve body 1020 may include an axial lumen 1022 extending through the annular valve body 1020 along a longitudinal axis 1800 of the prosthetic valve. In some embodiments, annular valve body 1020 may be configured to receive a flow control device, such as one or more prosthetic leaflets, within axial lumen 1022. Optionally, annular valve body 1020 may include one or more atrial end delivery posts 1027 along an atrial end (i.e., top end) of the annular valve body and/or one or more ventricular end delivery posts 1028 along a ventricular end (i.e., bottom end) of the annular valve body. Delivery posts 1027 and 1028 may be configured to removably engage a delivery device of the prosthetic valve, for example, to assist with placement of frame 1000 within or near a native valve.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of another exemplary frame 2000 for a prosthetic valve. FIG. 2B illustrates a top plan view of the frame 2000. Frame 2000 may include an annular outer frame 2200 and an inner frame 2400 situated at least partially within the annular outer frame 2200. Annular outer frame 2200 and inner frame 2400 may be secured together by pins, screws, welding, soldering, adhesive, magnets, and/or any other suitable mechanism. For example, FIGS. 2A and 2B depict annular outer frame 2200 and inner frame 2400 connected by a plurality of connector pins 2040.

Annular outer frame 2200 may include an outer frame tubular portion 3605, which may be formed of a plurality of struts intersecting at junctions to form a wire mesh, stent-like, or cage-like structure of the outer frame tubular portion 3605. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, annular outer frame 2200 may include outer frame atrial circumferential struts 3608 a, outer frame leg base struts 3608 b, and outer frame ventricular circumferential struts 3608 c intersecting at atrial end outer frame junctions 3602, leg attachment junctions 3802, outer frame junctions 3804, and ventricular end outer frame junctions 3604 to form outer frame tubular portion 3605. Annular outer frame 2200 may also include at least one ventricular anchoring leg 2240, which may extend from leg attachment junction 3802 of the outer frame tubular portion 3605 and which may be configured to engage ventricular tissue of a native valve to anchor the prosthetic valve in the native valve. The at least one ventricular anchoring leg 2240 may include a proximal leg end 3622, which may be the end of the leg connected to the outer frame tubular portion, and a distal leg end 2244, which may be situated radially outward from the outer frame tubular portion. As shown in FIG. 2B, the at least one ventricular anchoring leg 2240 may include at least one opening 2242.

Inner frame 2400 may include an inner frame tubular portion 3005, which may be formed of a plurality of struts intersecting at junctions to form a wire mesh, stent-like, or cage-like structure of the inner frame tubular portion 3005. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, inner frame 2400 may include inner frame atrial struts 3008 a, inner frame intermediate struts 3008 b, and inner frame ventricular struts 3008 c intersecting at atrial end inner frame junctions 3002, arm attachment junctions 3202, inner frame strut junctions 3204, and ventricular end inner frame junctions 3004 to form inner frame tubular portion 3005. Inner frame 2400 may also include at least one atrial anchoring arm 2440, which may extend from arm attachment junction 3202 of the inner frame tubular portion 3005 and which may be configured to engage atrial tissue of a native valve to anchor the prosthetic valve in the native valve. The at least one atrial anchoring arm 2440 may include a proximal arm end 3020, which may be the end of the arm connected to the inner frame tubular portion, and a distal arm end 2444, which may be situated radially outward from the inner frame tubular portion. As shown in FIG. 2B, the at least one atrial anchoring arm 2440 may include a proximal arm opening 2441 and a distal arm opening 2442.

Outer frame tubular portion 3605 and inner frame tubular portion 3005 may together form an annular valve body 2020 of the prosthetic valve, which may have at least one opening and from which the ventricular anchoring legs 2240 and atrial anchoring arms 2440 may extend. Annular valve body 2020 may include an axial lumen 2022 extending through the annular valve body 2020 along a longitudinal axis 2800 of the prosthetic valve. Annular valve body 2020 may have an atrial end 2024, a ventricular end 2025 opposite the atrial end, and an intermediate portion 2026 extending between the atrial and ventricular ends. In some embodiments, the atrial end may refer to the portion of the annular valve body configured to be situated at a location within the atrium that is furthest from an adjacent ventricle, when the prosthetic valve is implanted in a native valve. Similarly, the ventricular end may refer to the portion of the annular valve body configured to be situated at a location within the ventricle that is furthest from an adjacent atrium, when the prosthetic valve is implanted in a native valve. The intermediate portion 2026 may extend between the atrial end 2024 and ventricular end 2025. In some embodiments, annular valve body 2020 may include one or more ventricular end delivery posts 1028 along the ventricular end 2025 of the annular valve body. Axial lumen 2022 may include an inlet opening 2032 at the atrial end of the annular valve body, as well as an outlet opening 2036 at the ventricular end of the annular valve body.

FIG. 2C illustrates an enlarged view of an atrial anchoring arm 2440 and a ventricular anchoring leg 2240 of frame 2000. Ventricular anchoring leg 2240 may include an inner, atrially-facing leg surface 2248 and an outer, ventricularly-facing leg surface 2249. Atrial anchoring arm 2440 may include an atrially-facing arm surface 2448 and a ventricularly-facing arm surface 2449. In some embodiments, atrial anchoring arm 2440 may include an arm portion 2446 configured to be arranged in a common lateral plane with leg portion 2246 of the ventricular anchoring leg 2240. That is, leg portion 2246 and arm portion 2446 may be positioned at the same axial position along longitudinal axis 2800.

FIG. 2D illustrates another front elevation view of frame 2000. The exemplary prosthetic valve, as well as frame 2000, may have an axial height 2560, which may extend between terminal arm ends 2444 and ventricular end 2025 of the annular valve body. Inner frame tubular portion 3005 may have an axial height 2530, which may extend between atrial end inner frame junctions 3002 and ventricular end inner frame junctions 3004. Annular outer frame 2200 may have an axial height 2550, which may extend between terminal leg ends 2244 and ventricular end 2025 of the annular valve body. Outer frame tubular portion 3605 may have an axial height 2570, which may extend between atrial end outer frame junctions 3602 and ventricular end outer frame junctions 3604. In some embodiments, frame 2000 may have a ventricular device protrusion distance 2540, which may represent the distance over which the prosthetic valve protrudes into a left ventricle when the prosthetic valve is implanted in a native mitral valve. Annular valve body 2020 may include a valve inlet radius 2520, which may be the radius of atrial inlet opening 2032.

FIG. 2E illustrates another top plan view of frame 2000. The atrial anchoring arms 2440 may have a length 2580, and the ventricular anchoring legs 2240 may have a length 2590. The terminal arm ends 2444 may define an atrial anchoring arm circumference 2640. The terminal leg ends 2244 may define a ventricular anchoring leg circumference 2620, which may be concentric with atrial anchoring arm circumference 2640. Inflexible portions 3402 of the atrial anchoring arms (illustrated in FIG. 3B) may have a length 2581. Serpentine structures 3406 of the atrial anchoring arms (illustrated in FIG. 3B) may have a length 2582.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front elevation view of inner frame 2400. The atrial end inner frame junctions 3002 and ventricular end inner frame junctions 3004 may form the atrial end and ventricular end, respectively, of inner frame 2400. Inner frame intermediate portion 3006 may extend between atrial end inner frame junctions 3002 and ventricular end inner frame junctions 3004. Inner frame tubular portion 3005 may have a radially inner surface 3018 and a radially outer surface 3016. Inner frame atrial struts 3008 a and inner frame intermediate struts 3008 b may intersect at atrial end inner frame junctions 3002, arm attachment junctions 3202, and strut junctions 3204 to form a first, atrial row of closed cells 3012. Inner frame intermediate struts 3008 b and inner frame ventricular struts 3008 c may intersect at arm attachment junctions 3202, strut junctions 3204, and ventricular end inner frame junctions 3004 to form a second, ventricular row of closed cells 3014. At least one inner frame atrial strut 3008 a may have a cross-sectional area 3010. At least one atrial anchoring arm 2440 may have a cross-sectional area 3022.

FIG. 3B illustrates an enlarged view of an atrial anchoring arm 2440 of inner frame 2400. Atrial anchoring arm 2440 may include a proximal arm portion 3502 configured to extend in an atrial direction, intermediate arm portion 3504 configured to extend in a ventricular direction, and distal arm portion 3506 configured to extend in an atrial direction. Arm transition portion 3508 may represent the transition between intermediate arm portion 3504 and distal arm portion 3506. Atrial anchoring arm 2440 may also include an inflexible portion 3402 extending to proximal arm end 3020, as well as a serpentine structure 3406, which may be situated radially external to the inflexible portion 3402. Inflexible portion 3402 may have a proximal end 3402 p, a distal end 3402 d, and a cross-sectional area 3402 c. Serpentine structure 3406 may have a cross-sectional area 3406 c. In some embodiments, atrial anchoring arm 2440 may include a terminal arm region 3408 situated radially external to serpentine structure 3406. Distal arm opening 2442 may be situated within terminal arm region 3408.

FIG. 3C illustrates a front elevation view of outer frame 2200. The atrial end outer frame junctions 3602 and ventricular end outer frame junctions 3604 may form the atrial end and ventricular end, respectively, of annular outer frame 2200. Outer frame intermediate portion 3606 may extend between atrial end outer frame junctions 3602 and ventricular end outer frame junctions 3604. Outer frame tubular portion 3605 may have a radially outer surface 3618 and a radially inner surface 3620. The outer frame atrial circumferential struts 3608 a, outer frame leg base struts 3608 b, and outer frame ventricular circumferential struts 3608 c may intersect at the atrial end outer frame junctions 3602, leg attachment junctions 3802, outer frame junctions 3804, and ventricular end outer frame junctions 3604 to form closed cells 3616. At least one outer frame atrial circumferential strut 3608 a may have a cross-sectional area 3610 and a width 3612. At least one outer frame leg base strut 3608 b may have a cross-sectional area 3614. At least one ventricular anchoring leg may have a cross-sectional area 3624 and a radially outer surface width 3626.

FIG. 3D illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of a ventricular anchoring leg 2240 of annular outer frame 2200. Ventricular anchoring leg 2240 may include a first, proximal curved portion 3807 and a second, distal curved portion 3808. In some embodiments, proximal curved portion 3807 may face radially outward. Additionally, or alternatively, distal curved portion 3808 may face radially inwards.

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of frame 2000, and FIG. 4B illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4A depicting a volume 4000 formed between the atrial anchoring arms 2440 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240. FIG. 4B also depicts an outer surface 4010 and inner surface 4020 of annular valve body 2020. In some embodiments, volume 4000 may be bounded by the ventricularly-facing surfaces 2449 of atrial anchoring arms 2440, by the inner, atrially-facing surfaces 2248 of ventricular anchoring legs 2240, and by the outer surface 4010 of the annular valve body 2020.

FIG. 5A illustrates a configuration of the exemplary prosthetic valve in which annular valve body 2020, atrial anchoring arms 2440, and ventricular anchoring legs 2240 are arranged in a radially-contracted configuration. In some embodiments, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5A may constitute a radially-contracted configuration of the prosthetic valve.

FIG. 5B illustrates a configuration of the exemplary prosthetic valve in which annular valve body 2020 and atrial anchoring arms 2440 are arranged in a radially-contracted configuration. In the configuration of FIG. 5B, the ventricular anchoring legs 2240 may deflect radially outward away from annular valve body 2020, into a radially-expanded configuration of the ventricular anchoring legs 2240.

FIG. 5C illustrates a configuration of the exemplary prosthetic valve in which annular valve body 2020 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240 are arranged in a radially-contracted configuration. In the configuration of FIG. 5C, the atrial anchoring arms 2440 may deflect radially outward away from annular valve body 2020, into a radially-expanded configuration of the atrial anchoring arms 2440.

FIG. 5D illustrates a configuration of the exemplary prosthetic valve in which the atrial anchoring arms 2440 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240 may deflect radially outward away from annular valve body 2020 into their respective radially-expanded configurations, while annular valve body 2020 remains in a radially-contracted configuration. In the configuration of FIG. 5D, an axial distance 5004 may be formed between the atrial anchoring arms 2440 and the terminal ends 2244 of the ventricular anchoring legs 2240.

FIG. 5E illustrates a configuration of the exemplary prosthetic valve in which annular valve body 2020, atrial anchoring arms 2440, and ventricular anchoring legs 2240 are arranged in a radially-expanded configuration. In some embodiments, the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5E may constitute a radially-expanded configuration of the prosthetic valve.

FIG. 6A illustrates a front elevation view of prosthetic valve 6000. In some embodiments, prosthetic valve 6000 may be assembled upon frame 2000. Prosthetic valve 6000 may be configured for implantation within or near a native valve structure and may be configured to restore and/or replace the functionality of a native valve, such as a diseased or otherwise impaired native valve. Prosthetic valve 6000 may include valve frame 2000, including annular valve body 2020, the atrial anchoring arms 2440, and the ventricular anchoring legs 2240. Prosthetic valve 6000 may also include a skirt layer 6100 configured around an external surface of a portion of the annular valve body. Prosthetic valve 6000 may additionally include a first cuff sheet 6210, which may be connected to skirt layer 6100 via stitching 6104, as well as a second cuff sheet 6220, which may be connected to first cuff sheet 6210 via stitching 6420. In some embodiments, the first cuff sheet 6210 and second cuff sheet 6220 by extend around the terminal ends 2444 of the atrial anchoring arms 2440. Skirt layer 6100, first cuff sheet 6210, and second cuff sheet 6220 may be constructed of fluid-impermeable material and may accordingly be configured to prevent passage of blood or other fluids through portions of the prosthetic valve 6000 outside of the axial lumen 2022.

In some embodiments, prosthetic valve 6000 may additionally include a protective sleeve 6102 wrapped around the rim 6800 of the ventricular outlet opening of annular valve body 2020; protective sleeve 6102 may be secured to annular valve body 2020 by stitching 6108. Additionally, or alternatively, prosthetic valve 6000 may include at least one liner 6310 extending around an external surface of the ventricular anchoring legs 2240, with at least one protective layer 6330 positioned around the distal leg ends 2244 and at least one protective covering 6320 wrapped around the proximal leg ends 3622. In some embodiments, the at least one protective covering 6320 may be secured to the skirt layer 6100 via stitching 6322.

FIG. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of prosthetic valve 6000, without prosthetic leaflets situated within the axial lumen 2022. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, prosthetic valve 6000 may additionally include a liner 6400 covering at least a portion of the inner surface 4020 of the annular valve body 2020. Liner 6400 may be secured to the annular valve body 2020 via stitching 6430 and to the second cuff sheet 6220 via stitching 6410. First cuff sheet 6210, second cuff sheet 6220, and inner liner 6400 may together form an inflatable cuff 6200 having an interior volume 6500. In some embodiments, inflatable cuff 6200 may be secured to atrial anchoring arm 2440 via connector 6440. Blood may enter the cuff 6200 through openings 6230, causing the cuff 6200 to inflate radially outwards and axially in an atrial direction. In some embodiments, cuff 6200 may inflate radially outwards and press against tissue of the native valve. This engagement between the cuff and tissue of the native valve may form a barrier to flow of blood and other fluids around the outer circumference of the prosthetic valve 6000.

FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional view of prosthetic valve 6000 with prosthetic leaflets 6602 and 6604 situated within the axial lumen 2022. In some embodiments, prosthetic valve 6000 may also include a third prosthetic leaflet 6606, which may not be visible in the view of FIG. 6C. The leaflets 6602, 6604, and 6606 may be secured to inner liner 6400 via stitching 6608 and may include a connector 6610 wrapping around the ventricular end delivery posts 2028 to secure the leaflets 6602, 6604, and 6606 to the valve frame 2000.

FIG. 6D illustrates a top plan view of prosthetic valve 6000, with leaflets 6602, 6604, and 6606 arranged in an open, uninflated configuration. In the open configuration, a space may be formed in the middle of the leaflets, permitting fluid to pass through the axial lumen 2022 of the prosthetic valve 6000. FIG. 6E illustrates a top plan view of prosthetic valve 6000, with leaflets 6602, 6604, and 6606 arranged in a closed, coapted configuration. In the closed configuration, the leaflets may press together such that the opening between them is closed. For example, the point of contact 6007 between two adjacent leaflets may extend to the center of the axial lumen; as a result, the leaflets may block fluid passage through the axial lumen 2022 of the prosthetic valve 6000.

FIG. 7A illustrates a prosthetic valve delivery system 7000. Delivery system 7000 may be configured to deliver an implant prosthetic valve 6000 within a native valve, such as a native mitral valve. Prosthetic valve delivery system 7000 may include a control handle assembly 7100, a telescoping catheter assembly 7200, a delivery capsule 7300 configured to retain a prosthetic valve (e.g. valve 6000), and, optionally, a stand 7400.

Control handle assembly 7100 may include an outer sheath control handle 7120 having a steering knob 7122 configured to steer an outer sheath 7210 of the telescoping catheter assembly 7200. Control handle assembly 7100 may also include a guide catheter control handle 7140 having a steering knob 7142 configured to steer a guide catheter 7220 of the telescoping catheter assembly 7200.

Control handle assembly 7100 may also include an implant catheter control handle 7160 having a steering knob 7168 configured to steer an implant catheter 8100 of the telescoping catheter assembly 7200. Implant catheter control handle 7160 may also include a proximal capsule portion slider 7162, a distal capsule portion knob 7170, and a distal capsule portion knob lock 7172 configured to control release of the prosthetic valve 6000 from within delivery capsule 7300. Implant catheter control handle 7160 may also include a slide lock 7166 configured to lock the implant catheter control handle 7160 at a position within track 7420 of stand 7400.

Control handle assembly 7100 may also include a cradle 7180, which may be secured to stand 7400 via a locking mechanism that can be released by actuated of release button 7184. Cradle 7180 may include a rotation knob 7182 configured to control rotation of the outer sheath 7210 and guide catheter 7220. Cradle 7180 may also include a rotation knob 7186 configured to control rotation of the implant catheter 8100. Cradle 7180 may also include a knob 7188 configured to control relative axial movement between outer sheath control handle 7120 (which may be secured to outer sheath 7210) and guide catheter control handle 7140 (which may be secured to guide catheter 7220).

FIG. 7B illustrates an enlarged view of delivery capsule 7300 of prosthetic valve delivery system 7000. Delivery capsule 7300 may include a proximal capsule portion 7320 and a distal capsule portion 7340 with a nose cone 7360 secured to the distal capsule portion 7340. A nose cone distal tip 7365 may form the distal end of the delivery capsule 7300. The telescoping catheter assembly 7200 may include a capsule shaft 7230 secured to, and configured to control movement of, the proximal capsule portion 7320 (e.g., due to connection 8400 between the capsule shaft 7230 and proximal capsule portion 7320, as illustrated in FIG. 8C). Implant catheter 8100 may extend within proximal capsule portion 7320 and may have a valve anchor disc 8200 connected to the distal end of the implant catheter 8100. A torque shaft 8300 may extend from the implant catheter 8100 and may be connected to distal capsule portion 7340; accordingly, torque shaft 8300 may be configured to control axial movement of the distal capsule portion 7340 relative to the implant catheter 8100 and valve anchor disc 8200. The proximal capsule portion 7320 and a distal capsule portion 7340 may be configured to retain prosthetic valve 6000, with the prosthetic valve 6000 secured against axial movement by valve anchor disc 8200. Control handle assembly 7100 may be configured to control movement of the proximal capsule portion 7320 and a distal capsule portion 7340, and thus may also control release of the prosthetic valve 6000 from within the delivery capsule 7300.

FIGS. 7C and 7D illustrate exemplary configurations of the telescoping catheter assembly 7200. Outer sheath 7210 and guide catheter 7220 may include respective bending portions 7215 and 7225, at which the outer sheath 7210 and guide catheter 7220 may be configured to bend within their respective steering planes 7212 and 7222. In some embodiments, bending of the outer sheath 7210 within the first steering plane 7212 may be controlled by the outer sheath steering knob 7122 of the control handle assembly 7100. Additionally, or alternatively, bending of the guide catheter 7220 within the second steering plane 7222 may be controlled by the guide catheter steering knob 7142 of the control handle assembly 7100. In some embodiments, under control of the control handle assembly 7100, the outer sheath 7210, guide catheter 7220, and implant catheter 8100 may be steered so as to correctly position the delivery capsule 7300 within a native valve for implantation of the prosthetic valve.

FIG. 8A illustrates an enlarged view of delivery capsule 7300 in a closed configuration, while FIG. 8B illustrates an enlarged view of delivery capsule 7300 in an open configuration. In the closed configuration of FIG. 8A, the distal capsule portion 7340 and proximal capsule portion 7320 may be brought together to form an enclosed compartment in which prosthetic valve 6000 may be retained. In the open configuration of FIG. 8B, the distal capsule portion 7340 and proximal capsule portion 7320 may be drawn apart. In some embodiments, the delivery capsule 7300 may be configured such that the distal capsule portion 7340 and proximal capsule portion 7320 are moved apart from each other, the prosthetic valve 6000 may be sequentially deployed from within the delivery capsule and implanted within a native valve.

FIG. 8C illustrates an interior view of delivery capsule 7300 with prosthetic valve 6000 retained within the delivery capsule. Although only the valve frame 2000 of the prosthetic valve 6000 is illustrated in FIG. 8C, one of ordinary skill will understand that the entire prosthetic valve 6000 depicted in FIGS. 6A-6E may be retained within delivery capsule 7300 in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8C.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8C, at least a portion of the annular valve body 2020 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240 of the prosthetic valve 6000 may be retained within the distal capsule portion. Additionally, or alternatively, at least a portion of atrial anchoring arms 2440 may be retained within proximal capsule portion 7320. In some embodiments, valve anchor disc 8200 may include a number of recesses 8205 configured to receive and retain the ventricular end delivery posts 2028 of the prosthetic valve 6000. For example, the valve anchor disc 8200 may include at least the same number of recesses 8205 as there are delivery posts 2028 of the prosthetic valve 6000. In some embodiments, the delivery posts 2028 may be retained within the recesses 8205 so long as the annular valve body 2020 remains in a radially-contracted configuration; the engagement between the valve anchor disc 8200 and delivery posts 2028 may secure the prosthetic valve 6000 against axial movement. Upon radial expansion of the annular valve body 2020, the delivery posts 2028 may slide or expand out of the recesses 8205, freeing the prosthetic valve 6000 from engagement with the valve anchor disc 8200.

FIG. 9 illustrates one exemplary advancement route of the delivery capsule 7300 to the left atrium. In the example illustrated in FIG. 9, the delivery capsule 7300 may be steered through the vena cava into the right atrium 9210 and may pierce the interatrial septum and enter the left atrium 9010. Alternatively, the delivery capsule may be delivered to the heart by other routes. FIG. 9 also depicts the left ventricle 9020, the mitral valve 9030, the chordae tendineae 9022, the aortic valve 9045, and the aorta 9040.

FIGS. 10A-10H depict an exemplary implantation method of prosthetic valve 6000 within a mitral valve 9030. In FIG. 10A, the delivery capsule 7300 may be coaxially aligned with the mitral valve 9030. In some embodiments, the prosthetic valve 6000 may be held within the delivery capsule 7300 while the prosthetic valve is arranged in the configuration of FIG. 5A. In FIG. 10B, the delivery capsule 7300 may be distally advanced into the mitral valve 9030. In FIG. 10C, the distal capsule portion 7340 may be distally advanced relative to the rest of the delivery capsule 7300. This may release the ventricular anchoring legs 2240 from the distal capsule portion 7340, while the atrial anchoring arms 2440 and annular valve body 2020 remain constrained within the delivery capsule. In the example shown in FIG. 10C, the ventricular anchoring legs 2240 may be released from the delivery capsule 7300 within the atrium 9010. In some embodiments, the prosthetic valve 6000 may assume the configuration of FIG. 5B when the ventricular anchoring legs 2240 are released in the step depicted in FIG. 10C.

In FIG. 10D, the released ventricular anchoring legs 2240 may be passed through the mitral valve 9030 and into the left ventricle 9020. In FIG. 10E, the released legs 2240 may be proximally retracted until the ventricular anchoring legs come into contact with the ventricular tissue of the mitral valve 9030. In FIG. 10F, the proximal capsule portion 7320 may be retracted proximally, thus releasing the atrial anchoring arms 2440 within atrium 9010 while the annular valve body 2020 remains radially constrained within the distal capsule portion 7340. In some embodiments, the prosthetic valve 6000 may assume the configuration of FIG. 5D when the atrial anchoring arms 2440 are released in the step of FIG. 10F.

In FIG. 10G, the distal capsule portion 7340 may be advanced further until the annular valve body 2020 is released from the capsule and allowed to radially expand. Radial expansion of the annular valve body 2020 may allow the prosthetic valve to assume the fully-expanded configuration illustrated in FIG. 5E. At this stage, prosthetic valve 6000 may be securely implanted within mitral valve 9030. In FIG. 10H, the delivery system 7000, including capsule 7300, may be removed.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to prosthetic valves, including prosthetic heart valves. While the present disclosure provides examples of prosthetic heart valves, and in particular prosthetic mitral valves, it should be noted that aspects of the disclosure in their broadest sense are not limited to a prosthetic heart valve. Rather, the foregoing principles may be applied to other prosthetic valves as well. Prosthetic heart valve 6000, illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6E, is one example of a prosthetic valve in accordance with the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, an exemplary prosthetic valve may be configured for implantation within a native atrioventricular valve and may regulate blood flow between the atrium and ventricle. For example, prosthetic heart valve 6000 illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C may include a fluid-impervious cuff 6200 configured to extend from an inner lumen 2022 of the prosthetic valve to terminal arm ends 2444 of a plurality of atrial anchoring arms 2440. Because cuff 6200 is constructed of a fluid-impervious material, cuff 6200 may be configured to minimize or block flow of blood and other fluids through any portion of the prosthetic valve 6000 except for lumen 2022. In addition, atrial anchoring arms 2440 of the prosthetic valve (including terminal arm ends 2444) may be configured to contact and, in some embodiments, press against atrial tissue of a native heart valve. This is illustrated in FIGS. 10G-10H, which depict atrial anchoring arms 2440 of prosthetic valve 6000 arranged in contact with, and exerting a ventricularly-directed force (that is, a force directed downwards toward ventricle 9020) upon atrial tissue of native mitral valve 9030. As a result, cuff 6200 of prosthetic valve 6000 may also be configured to minimize or block passage of blood and other fluids between the prosthetic valve 6000 (including terminal arm ends 2444) and native valve tissue, a condition known as perivalvular leakage. As a result, prosthetic valve 6000 may be configured to prohibit passage of blood and other fluids between atrium 9010 and ventricle 9020, except by passage through inner lumen 2022, in which leaflets 6602, 6604, and 6606 may be situated.

In some embodiments, an exemplary prosthetic valve may be expandable, such as between a radially-contracted configuration (e.g., a crimped state) and a radially-expanded configuration. For example, FIG. 5A illustrates a radially-contracted configuration of an exemplary prosthetic valve, and FIG. 5E illustrates a radially-expanded configuration of the exemplary prosthetic valve. The diameter of the prosthetic valve, including annular valve body 2020, ventricular anchoring legs 2240, and atrial anchoring arms 2440, may be reduced when the prosthetic valve assumes the radially-contracted configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 5A. The diameter of the prosthetic valve may be increased when the prosthetic valve assumes the radially-expanded configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 5E. For example, an annular valve body 2020 of the prosthetic valve may radially expand when the prosthetic valve assumes the radially-expanded configuration. Additionally, or alternatively, a plurality of ventricular anchoring legs 2240 and/or atrial anchoring arms 2440 may be configured to deflect radially outward from the exemplary annular valve body 2020 when the prosthetic valve assumes the radially-expanded configuration.

In some embodiments, the exemplary prosthetic valve may be configured to be radially contracted into a radially-contracted configuration for introduction to an implantation site, such as on or within a delivery device. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the radially-contracted configuration may also be a delivery configuration, in which the prosthetic valve is arranged for delivery to the implantation site. Once at or near the implantation site, the prosthetic valve may be radially expanded to a radially-expanded configuration, in which the prosthetic valve may be anchored at the implantation site. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the radially-expanded configuration may also be a deployed configuration, in which the prosthetic valve is released from the delivery tool and seated at the implantation site.

In some embodiments, an exemplary prosthetic valve may be configured for self-expansion to the radially-expanded configuration; that is, the prosthetic valve may be biased to assume the radially-expanded configuration due to, at least in part, the design and/or material composition of the prosthetic valve. The self-expanding prosthetic valve may be constructed of a shape memory material such as nickel titanium alloy (Nitinol), which may permit the prosthetic valve to expand to a pre-determined diameter upon removal of a constraining force and/or application of heat or energy. For example, the prosthetic valve may be contracted and held in the radially-contracted configuration by a constraining device, such as a sheath, catheter, stent, or delivery capsule. An example of such a constraining device is illustrated in FIG. 8C, which illustrates prosthetic heart valve 6000 held in a radially-contracted configuration within delivery capsule 7300. When the prosthetic valve is positioned at or near the implantation site, the constraining force may be removed and the prosthetic valve allowed to self-expand to the radially-expanded configuration. Additionally, or alternatively, an exemplary prosthetic valve may be configured to expand due to application of radially expansive forces thereupon. For example, the prosthetic valve may be placed, in its radially-contracted configuration, upon an expansion device such as a balloon catheter. Upon positioning at the implantation site, the expansion device may exert an outwardly-directed force upon the prosthetic valve, causing it to expand to the radially-expanded configuration.

In some embodiments, the exemplary prosthetic valve may be configured for implantation at a treatment site within the body, such as within or adjacent to a native heart valve structure. In some embodiments, a prosthetic valve may be configured for transcatheter delivery to the implantation site via a variety of approaches, such as transapically, transatrially, and/or transseptally. In some embodiments, the prosthetic valve may be configured for implantation in the annulus or orifice of a native heart valve structure (e.g., a native heart valve). For example, in FIGS. 10A-10H, prosthetic valve 6000 may be delivered to and expanded within native mitral valve 9030 such that prosthetic valve 6000 is anchored within native mitral valve 9030. In some embodiments, the exemplary prosthetic valve may be configured to grasp tissue of the native heart valve to more firmly anchor the prosthetic valve within the native heart valve. For example, an exemplary prosthetic valve may be configured to grasp the native leaflets and/or native heart valve annulus to firmly seat the prosthetic valve within the valve annulus, thus preventing the prosthetic valve from migrating or dislodging from within the native heart valve annulus.

In some embodiments, an exemplary prosthetic heart valve may include an annular outer frame and an inner frame positioned at least partially within the annular outer frame. In some embodiments, the inner frame may be positioned partially within the annular outer frame. Alternatively, the inner frame may be positioned entirely within the annular outer frame. One or both of the inner frame and the outer frame may be annular or ring-shaped and may both include at least one opening. In some embodiments, the inner frame may be positioned within an opening of the annular outer frame. For example, FIG. 2A depicts an exemplary prosthetic valve frame 2000 having an outer frame 2200 and an inner frame 2400. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, inner frame 2400 and outer frame 2200 may both be annular, with inner frame 2400 situated at least partially within outer frame 2200. Because outer frame 2200 and inner frame 2400 are both annular, axial lumen 2022 may extend longitudinally along the entire respective lengths of the outer frame 2200 and inner frame 2400. The inner and outer frames may be constructed of various materials, such as polymeric or metal materials. For example, the inner and outer frames may be constructed of a material that is biocompatible and/or has shape-memory properties. In some embodiments, the inner and outer frames may be constructed, at least partially, of a shape-memory material, such as Nitinol. Additionally, or alternatively, the inner and outer frames may be constructed, at least partially, of stainless steel, chromium alloys, and/or other suitable materials.

In some embodiments, the inner and outer frames may be expandable, such as between respective radially-contracted configurations (e.g., crimped states) and radially-expanded configurations. For example, the inner and outer frames may be configured to transition between the radially-contracted and radially-expanded configurations together due, at least in part, to one or more connections between the frames. For example, FIG. 5A illustrates an inner frame 2400 and outer frame 2200 in respective radially-contracted configurations, while FIG. 5E illustrates inner frame 2400 and outer frame 2200 in respective radially-expanded configurations. The respective diameters of the inner and outer frames may be reduced when the inner and outer frames are arranged in their respective radially-contracted configurations. For example, the inner and outer frames may be arranged in the radially-contracted configurations when the exemplary prosthetic heart valve is delivered to the implantation site. Additionally, the respective diameters of the inner and outer frames may be increased when the inner and outer frames assume their respective radially-expanded configurations. In some embodiments, the inner frame and outer frame may be fully radially-expanded when the inner frame and outer frame are arranged in their radially-expanded configurations.

In some embodiments, the inner frame and outer frame may be configured for self-expansion to their respective radially-expanded configurations; that is, the inner and outer frames may be biased to assume their respective radially-expanded configurations due to, at least in part, the design and/or material composition of the inner and outer frames. The self-expanding frames may be constructed of a shape memory material such as nickel titanium alloy (Nitinol), which may permit the inner and outer frames to expand to pre-determined diameters upon removal of a constraining force and/or application of heat or energy. For example, the inner frame and outer frame may be contracted and held in their respective radially-contracted configurations by a constraining device, such as a sheath, catheter, stent, or delivery capsule. An example of such a constraining device is illustrated in FIG. 8C, which illustrates an inner frame 2400 and outer frame 2200 of an exemplary prosthetic heart valve held in their respective radially-contracted configurations within a delivery capsule 7300. When the inner frame and outer frame are positioned at or near the implantation site (e.g., at the native mitral valve 9030 of FIG. 9), the constraining force (e.g., as applied by delivery capsule 7300) may be removed and the inner frame and outer frame allowed to self-expand to their respective radially-expanded configurations. Additionally, or alternatively, exemplary inner and outer frames may be configured to expand due to application of radially expansive forces thereupon. For example, the inner frame and outer frame may be placed, in their radially-contracted configurations, upon an expansion device such as a balloon catheter. Upon positioning at the implantation site, the expansion device may exert an outwardly-directed force upon the inner and outer frames, causing them to expand to their fully-expanded configurations.

In some embodiments, the annular outer frame may include an outer frame tubular portion. The outer frame tubular portion may have a circular, oval-shaped, elliptical, or D-shaped cross-section and may have at least one opening extending longitudinally through the outer frame tubular portion. In some embodiments, the outer frame tubular portion may be symmetrical about at least one axis of the outer frame tubular portion. For example, the exemplary outer frame 2200 illustrated in FIG. 3C may include an outer frame tubular portion 3605. Outer frame tubular portion 3605 may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape with a central opening and may be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the outer frame tubular portion. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer frame tubular portion may be cylindrical, with a substantially constant diameter along the entire length of the outer frame tubular portion. Alternatively, the outer frame tubular portion may have a variable diameter at different portions of the outer frame tubular portion (e.g., at different longitudinal portions of the outer frame tubular portion).

The outer frame tubular portion may be formed of a plurality of supporting members or struts. In some embodiments, the struts may intersect at junctions to form a wire mesh, stent-like, or cage-like structure of the outer frame tubular portion. A junction may be formed at a location at which at least two struts terminate; that is, exemplary struts may extend to and terminate at a junction at which they intersect with one or more other struts. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, outer frame 2200 may include outer frame atrial circumferential struts 3608 a, outer frame leg base struts 3608 b, and outer frame ventricular circumferential struts 3608 c intersecting at atrial end outer frame junctions 3602, leg attachment junctions 3802, outer frame junctions 3804, and ventricular end outer frame junctions 3604 to form outer frame tubular portion 3605.

In some embodiments, the annular outer frame may include a plurality (that is, one or more) of ventricular anchoring legs configured to extend radially outward from the outer frame tubular portion of the annular outer frame. For example, FIGS. 2A and 3C illustrate an annular outer frame 2200 having an outer frame tubular portion 3605 and a plurality of ventricular anchoring legs 2240 extending radially outward from the outer frame tubular portion of the annular outer frame. The ventricular anchoring legs may be configured to anchor the prosthetic valve at an implantation site, such as within or near a native heart valve. For example, the ventricular anchoring legs may be configured to engage ventricular tissue of a native heart valve to anchor the prosthetic valve within the heart valve. In some embodiments, the ventricular anchoring legs may be configured to be positioned at least partially within a ventricle upon implantation of the prosthetic valve within or near a native heart valve, and to engage ventricular tissue of the heart valve. For example, FIGS. 10E-10H depict ventricular anchoring legs 2240 of an exemplary prosthetic heart valve 6000. Ventricular anchoring legs 2240 are situated within ventricle 9020 and may engage the ventricular side of native mitral valve 9030 to secure prosthetic heart valve 6000 within the mitral valve.

The prosthetic valve may include one ventricular anchoring leg, two ventricular anchoring legs, three ventricular anchoring legs, four ventricular anchoring legs, five ventricular anchoring legs, six ventricular anchoring legs, seven ventricular anchoring legs, eight ventricular anchoring legs, nine ventricular anchoring legs, ten ventricular anchoring legs, eleven ventricular anchoring legs, twelve ventricular anchoring legs, thirteen ventricular anchoring legs, fourteen ventricular anchoring legs, fifteen ventricular anchoring legs, sixteen ventricular anchoring legs, seventeen ventricular anchoring legs, eighteen ventricular anchoring legs, nineteen ventricular anchoring legs, twenty ventricular anchoring legs, or any other suitable number of ventricular anchoring legs. For example, exemplary prosthetic valve 6000 depicted in FIG. 2B includes twelve ventricular anchoring legs 2240.

In some embodiments, the ventricular anchoring legs may be configured to extend radially outward from the outer frame tubular portion to respective terminal leg ends. In some embodiments, the term “radially outward” may refer to a direction extending away from the center of the annular outer frame (for example, away from the longitudinal axis of the exemplary prosthetic valve). In some embodiments, the ventricular anchoring legs may be connected to the outer frame tubular portion and configured to extend radially outward from the outer frame tubular portion. For example, in FIGS. 5D and 5E, ventricular anchoring legs 2240 may be connected to outer frame tubular portion 3605 at leg attachment junctions 3802 and may extend radially outward from the outer frame tubular portion 3605. In some embodiments, the ventricular anchoring legs may be physically connected to the outer frame tubular portion, such as by welding or adhesive. In some alternative embodiments, the ventricular anchoring legs may be integrally formed with the outer frame tubular portion. In some further alternative embodiments, the ventricular anchoring legs may not be secured directly to the outer frame tubular portion; however, the ventricular anchoring legs may be configured to extend in a radially outward direction from the outer frame tubular portion.

In some embodiments, the locations of connection between the ventricular anchoring legs and outer frame tubular portion may be spaced at a regular interval about a circumference of the annular outer frame. For example, in FIGS. 2A and 3C, the ventricular anchoring legs 2240 may extend from the outer frame tubular portion 3605 at leg attachment junctions 3802. Leg attachment junctions 3802 may be spaced at a regular interval about the circumference of outer frame tubular portion 3605. Additionally, or alternatively, the locations of connection between the ventricular anchoring legs and outer frame tubular portion may be arranged along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve. For example, in FIG. 2A, the leg attachment junctions 3802 may be arranged along a plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis 2800. That is, the leg attachment junctions 3802 may be situated at the same axial position along longitudinal axis 2800.

In some embodiments, each ventricular anchoring leg may include a proximal leg end connected to or otherwise secured relative to the outer frame tubular portion, and a terminal leg end configured to extend radially outward from the outer frame tubular portion and, thus, from the proximal leg end of the ventricular anchoring leg. In various embodiments, a proximal leg end may refer to a portion of a ventricular anchoring leg situated in closest proximity to the outer frame tubular portion and may, in some embodiments, include a point of connection between the ventricular anchoring leg and the outer frame tubular portion. In various embodiments, a terminal leg end may refer to a portion of a ventricular anchoring leg furthest from the point of connection between the leg and the outer frame tubular portion. For example, ventricular anchoring legs 2240 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3C may include a proximal leg end 3622 connected to outer frame tubular portion 3605 (e.g., at leg attachment junction 3802) and a terminal leg end 2244 configured to extend radially outward from the outer frame tubular portion 3605 and from the proximal leg end 3622.

In some embodiments, the inner frame may include an inner frame tubular portion. The inner frame tubular portion may have a circular, oval-shaped, elliptical, or D-shaped cross-section and may have at least one opening extending longitudinally through the inner frame tubular portion. In some embodiments, the inner frame tubular portion may be symmetrical about at least one axis of the inner frame tubular portion. For example, the exemplary inner frame 2400 illustrated in FIG. 3A may include an inner frame tubular portion 3005. Inner frame tubular portion 3005 may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape with a central opening and may be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the inner frame tubular portion. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the inner frame tubular portion may be cylindrical, with a substantially constant diameter along the entire length of the inner frame tubular portion. Alternatively, the inner frame tubular portion may have a variable diameter at different portions of the inner frame tubular portion (e.g., at different longitudinal portions of the inner frame tubular portion).

The inner frame tubular portion may be formed of a plurality of struts intersecting at junctions to form a wire mesh, stent-like, or cage-like structure of the inner frame tubular portion. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, inner frame 2400 may include inner frame atrial struts 3008 a, inner frame intermediate struts 3008 b, and inner frame ventricular struts 3008 c intersecting at atrial end inner frame junctions 3002, arm attachment junctions 3202, inner frame strut junctions 3204, and ventricular end inner frame junctions 3004 to form inner frame tubular portion 3005.

The exemplary inner frame may be configured to receive or otherwise support a flow control device, such as one or more leaflets, for regulating flow of blood or other bodily fluids through the prosthetic heart valve. For example, the flow control device (e.g., leaflets) may be secured directly to the inner frame and/or to an intermediate structure (e.g., a liner) that is in turn secured to the inner frame. For example, FIG. 6C illustrates an embodiment in which leaflets 6602 and 6604 (as well as 6606, which is not depicted in FIG. 6C) are arranged within inner frame 2400. As a result, when the prosthetic heart valve is implanted within a native valve, the flow control device (e.g., leaflets) may regulate fluid passage through the native valve, thus restoring and/or replacing the functionality of the native valve. In the example of a prosthetic mitral valve, the flow control device situated within the inner frame may be configured to permit flow of blood and other fluids in one direction (e.g., from the left atrium to the left ventricle) and to prevent flow of blood and other fluids in a second, opposite direction (e.g., from the left ventricle to the left atrium).

In some embodiments, the inner frame may include a plurality (that is, one or more) of atrial anchoring arms configured to extend radially outward from the inner frame tubular portion of the exemplary inner frame. For example, FIGS. 2A and 3A illustrate an inner frame 2400 having an inner frame tubular portion 3005 and a plurality of atrial anchoring arms 2440 extending radially outward from the inner frame tubular portion. The atrial anchoring arms may be configured to anchor the prosthetic valve at an implantation site, such as within or near a native heart valve. For example, the atrial anchoring arms may be configured to engage atrial tissue of a native heart valve to anchor the prosthetic valve within the heart valve. In some embodiments, the atrial anchoring arms may be configured to be positioned at least partially within an atrium upon implantation of the prosthetic valve within or near a native heart valve, and to engage atrial tissue of the heart valve. For example, FIGS. 10F-10H depict atrial anchoring arms 2440 of an exemplary prosthetic heart valve 6000. Atrial anchoring arms 2440 are situated within atrium 9010 and may engage the atrial side of native mitral valve 9030 to secure prosthetic heart valve 6000 within the mitral valve.

The prosthetic valve may include one atrial anchoring arm, two atrial anchoring arms, three atrial anchoring arms, four atrial anchoring arms, five atrial anchoring arms, six atrial anchoring arms, seven atrial anchoring arms, eight atrial anchoring arms, nine atrial anchoring arms, ten atrial anchoring arms, eleven atrial anchoring arms, twelve atrial anchoring arms, thirteen atrial anchoring arms, fourteen atrial anchoring arms, fifteen atrial anchoring arms, sixteen atrial anchoring arms, seventeen atrial anchoring arms, eighteen atrial anchoring arms, nineteen atrial anchoring arms, twenty atrial anchoring arms, or any other suitable number of atrial anchoring arms. For example, exemplary prosthetic valve 6000 depicted in FIG. 2B includes twelve atrial anchoring arms 2440.

In some embodiments, the atrial anchoring arms may be configured to extend radially outward from the inner frame tubular portion of the exemplary inner frame. In some embodiments, the atrial anchoring arms may be connected to the inner frame tubular portion and configured to extend radially outward from the inner frame tubular portion. For example, in FIGS. 5D and 5E, atrial anchoring arms 2440 may be connected to inner frame tubular portion 3005 at arm attachment junctions 3202 and may extend radially outward from the inner frame tubular portion 3005. In some embodiments, the atrial anchoring arms may be physically connected to the inner frame tubular portion, such as by welding or adhesive. In some alternative embodiments, the atrial anchoring arms may be integrally formed with the inner frame tubular portion. In some further alternative embodiments, the atrial anchoring arms may not be secured directly to the inner frame tubular portion; however, the atrial anchoring arms may be configured to extend in a radially outward direction from the inner frame tubular portion.

In some embodiments, the locations of connection between the atrial anchoring arms and inner frame tubular portion may be spaced at a regular interval about a circumference of the inner frame. For example, in FIGS. 2A and 3A, the atrial anchoring arms 2440 may extend from the inner frame tubular portion 3005 at arm attachment junctions 3202. Arm attachment junctions 3202 may be spaced at a regular interval about the circumference of inner frame tubular portion 3005. Additionally, or alternatively, the locations of connection between the atrial anchoring arms and inner frame tubular portion may be arranged along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve. For example, in FIG. 2A, the arm attachment junctions 3202 may be arranged along a plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis 2800. That is, the arm attachment junctions 3202 may be situated at the same axial position along longitudinal axis 2800.

In some embodiments, each atrial anchoring arm may include a proximal arm end connected to or otherwise secured relative to the inner frame tubular portion, and a terminal arm end configured to extend radially outward from the inner frame tubular portion and, thus, from the proximal arm end of the atrial anchoring arm. For example, atrial anchoring arms 2440 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3A may include a proximal arm end 3020 connected to inner frame tubular portion 3005 (e.g., at arm attachment junction 3202) and a terminal arm end 2444 configured to extend radially outward from the inner frame tubular portion 3005 and from the proximal arm end 3020.

According to various embodiments, the inner frame of the prosthetic heart valve may be connected to the annular outer frame such that they may be delivered to the implantation site together and may be configured to radially expand and contract together. For example, the inner and outer frames may be connected by pins, screws, welding, soldering, adhesive, magnets, and/or any other suitable mechanism. The inner and outer frames may be secured together at multiple points of the inner frame and outer frame. For example, FIG. 2A depicts inner frame 2400 and outer frame 2200 connected by a plurality of connector pins 2040, each situated at a different circumferential position of the valve frame 2000 and each configured to extend between the inner 2400 and outer 2200 frames to secure them together. In the example of FIG. 2A, inner frame 2400 and outer frame 2200 may be connected together by twelve connector pins 2040. Alternatively, any suitable number of connector pins may be utilized to secure the inner and outer frames together.

In some embodiments, inner frame tubular portion 3005 and outer frame tubular portion 3605 may together form an annular valve body 2020. The annular valve body 2020 may have at least one opening. In some embodiments, the at least one opening may extend longitudinally along the entire length of the annular valve body. For example, FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary frame 2000 of a prosthetic heart valve. Heart valve frame 2000 may include an annular valve body 2020 having an axial lumen 2022 extending longitudinally through the annular valve body 2020. The annular valve body may be sized and configured to be seated within the orifice of a native mitral valve. For example, as depicted in FIG. 10H, annular valve body 2020 may be situated within the orifice of mitral valve 9030, specifically between native leaflets 9032. In some embodiments, the annular valve body may be configured to have a smaller diameter, when fully-expanded, than the diameter of the orifice of the native mitral valve. In such embodiments, the annular valve body may be anchored in the native mitral valve by anchoring structures, such as atrial anchoring arms and/or ventricular anchoring legs. Alternatively, the annular valve body may be configured to expand to an equal or greater diameter than the diameter of the heart mitral orifice such that the annular valve body is anchored within the mitral valve.

In some embodiments, a portion of each of the plurality of ventricular anchoring legs may be configured to overlap with a portion of each of the plurality of atrial anchoring arms in a common lateral plane. That is, the atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs may be configured to assume a configuration in which a portion of each atrial anchoring arm and a portion of each ventricular anchoring leg are aligned in a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve. Said another way, a portion of each atrial anchoring arm and a portion of each ventricular anchoring leg may be arranged at the same axial position relative to the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve. An example of such a configuration is illustrated in FIG. 2C, which depicts an exemplary ventricular anchoring leg 2240 having a portion 2246 aligned in a common lateral plane with a portion 2446 of an exemplary atrial anchoring arm 2440, the common lateral plane being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2800 illustrated in FIG. 2A. That is, arm portion 2446 and leg portion 2246 may be arranged at the same axial position relative to longitudinal axis 2800. In some embodiments, the portion of each ventricular anchoring leg that is arranged in the common lateral plane may include the terminal end of the leg; alternatively, the portion of each ventricular anchoring leg that is arranged in the common lateral plane may include a section of the leg situated radially inwards from the terminal end of the leg (such as leg portion 2246 illustrated in FIG. 2C). In some embodiments, the portion of each atrial anchoring arm that is arranged in the common lateral plane (e.g., portion 2446 in FIG. 3C) may be situated in an outer radial half of the atrial anchoring arm. In some embodiments, a portion of each ventricular anchoring leg (e.g., terminal leg ends 2244) may be configured to extend in an atrial direction beyond the portions of the arms arranged in the common lateral plane (e.g., arm portion 2446, which may be situated below terminal leg end 2244 in FIG. 3C).

In some embodiments, the atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs may be biased to assume the aforementioned overlapping configuration (as illustrated in FIG. 2C) due at least in part to the shape-memory properties of the atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs. However, upon implantation of the prosthetic valve, the prosthetic valve may grasp and retain native valve tissue between the atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs. For example, FIGS. 10G and 10H illustrate tissue of mitral valve 9030 retained between atrial anchoring arms 2440 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240. The retained tissue may slightly deform the atrial anchoring arms 2440 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240, pushing the arms and legs axially apart from each other (and thus, out of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2C). However, due to their shape memory characteristics, the atrial anchoring arms 2440 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240 may resist the deformation and exert respective clamping forces on the retained tissue. For example, atrial anchoring arms 2440 may clamp tissue by exerting a ventricularly-directed force (that is, a force directed downwards towards ventricle 9020 in FIGS. 10G and 10H) on the heart valve tissue. Similarly, ventricular anchoring legs 2240 may clamp the tissue by exerting an atrially-directed force (that is, a force directed upwards towards atrium 9010 in FIGS. 10G and 10H) on the heart valve tissue. The opposing forces exerted by the atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs may clamp or “sandwich” the heart valve tissue between the atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs, thus firmly anchoring prosthetic heart valve 6000 against axial and lateral movement within the native heart valve.

In some embodiments, the atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs may be configured to extend radially outward from the inner frame and from the annular outer frame, respectively. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, atrial anchoring arms 2440 may be configured to extend radially outward from the inner frame 2400, in particular from the arm attachment junctions 3202. In addition, ventricular anchoring legs 2240 may be configured to extend radially outward from the annular outer frame 2200, in particular from the leg attachment junctions 3802.

In some embodiments, the exemplary prosthetic valve may have an axial length of two centimeters or less. In some embodiments, the axial length of the prosthetic valve may refer to the axial length spanned by the annular valve body, atrial anchoring arms, and ventricular anchoring legs. For example, in FIG. 2D, length 2560 may correspond to the axial length of the prosthetic valve. In some embodiments, the prosthetic valve of FIG. 2D may have an axial length 2560 of two centimeters or less. In some embodiments, the axial length of the prosthetic valve may extend between the terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms and the ventricular end of the annular valve body. For example, in FIG. 2D, length 2560 may extend between terminal arm ends 2444 and the ventricular end 2025 of annular valve body 2020. Terminal arm ends 2444 may constitute the atrial end of the prosthetic valve (that is, the uppermost portion of the prosthetic valve in FIG. 2D). Annular valve body ventricular end 2025 may constitute the ventricular end of the prosthetic valve (that is, the lowermost portion of the prosthetic valve in FIG. 2D). In some embodiments, ventricular end delivery posts 2028 may not be incorporated within the axial length of the prosthetic valve because delivery posts 2028 are configured for engagement with the prosthetic valve delivery device and do not constitute a portion of the prosthetic valve configured to restore and/or replace the functionality of a native valve.

Advantageously, because the exemplary prosthetic valve has an axial length of two centimeters or less, the prosthetic valve may protrude a short distance into the atrium and ventricle after implantation in a native atrioventricular valve (e.g., a mitral valve). Due to the short axial length of the prosthetic valve, the prosthetic valve is prevented from coming in contact with, and causing injury to, the native heart anatomy after the prosthetic valve is implanted. Such heart anatomy may include the walls of the atrium and ventricle, as well as the chordae tendineae. In addition, because the prosthetic valve has a short axial length, the delivery device of the prosthetic valve may similarly have a short axial length. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8C, exemplary prosthetic valve 6000 may be delivered to the implantation site within delivery capsule 7300. Because the prosthetic valve may have an axial length of two centimeters or less, the delivery capsule may have an axial length of five centimeters or less; in contrast, a prosthetic valve with an axial length longer than two centimeters would require a delivery capsule longer than five centimeters. Advantageously, the exemplary delivery capsule may require less space to maneuver within the left atrium to align the prosthetic valve with the mitral valve during implantation, as compared to a longer delivery device. In particular, because the exemplary delivery capsule has an axial length of five centimeters or less, it may be inserted into and maneuvered within the left atrium without pushing against the atrial wall, which may scratch the atrial wall and can cause fibrillation.

The exemplary prosthetic valve includes several features, the combination of which enables the prosthetic valve to have an axial length of two centimeters or less. For example, a portion of each of the plurality of ventricular anchoring legs 2240 may overlap with a portion of each of the plurality of atrial anchoring arms 2440 in a common lateral plane when the prosthetic valve is in a radially-expanded configuration, as discussed above in reference to FIG. 2C. Because the atrial anchoring arms 2440 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240 are configured to overlap in this fashion, the axial length of the prosthetic valve may be reduced since it is not necessary for the prosthetic valve to include additional length to keep the atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs separate.

In addition, the exemplary prosthetic valve may be configured to have an axial length of two centimeters or less due to the small radius of the annular valve body 2020 and the length of the atrial anchoring arms 2440. As illustrated in FIGS. 6D and 6E, prosthetic leaflets 6602, 6604, and 6606 may be situated within lumen 2022 of the annular valve body 2020. In order for the leaflets 6602, 6604, and 6606 to be configured to coapt (that is, to assume the closed leaflet arrangement illustrated in FIG. 6E), the annular valve body 2020 may be configured to have an axial length (represented by height 2530 in FIG. 2D) equal to or larger than the radius of the leaflets situated within the annular valve body. If the axial length of the annular valve body 2020 were configured to be smaller than the radius of the leaflets 6602, 6604, and 6606, the leaflets may be unable to fully close, thus preventing the prosthetic valve from regulating blood flow through the heart.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, annular valve body 2020 may have a small inner radius, which may allow the prosthetic valve to have an axial length of two centimeters or less. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 2D, the atrial inlet opening 2032 of the annular valve body may have a radius 2520 of 15 millimeters or less, with leaflets 6602, 6604, and 6606 having a radius of between 10 millimeters and 18 millimeters. This may allow annular valve body 2020 to have an axial height 2530 of 20 millimeters or less, and the prosthetic valve to have an axial height 2560 of 20 millimeters (i.e., two centimeters) or less, while still enabling leaflets 6602, 6604, and 6606 to coapt into the closed leaflet arrangement illustrated in FIG. 6E. In accordance with these embodiments, if the atrial inlet opening 2032 of the annular valve body were enlarged, without also increasing the axial length 2560 of the prosthetic valve to be longer than two centimeters, leaflets 6602, 6604, and 6606 may be unable to coapt. In a particular embodiment, the radius 2520 of the annular valve body may be 13.5 millimeters, the leaflets 6602, 6604, and 6606 may have a radius of 13 millimeters, and the axial height 2530 may be 15 millimeters, for example.

However, due to the small radius of the annular valve body 2020, the atrial anchoring arms 2440 may be configured to have a long radial length in order for the prosthetic valve to have a large enough diameter to remain anchored within a native heart valve. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the atrial anchoring arms 2440 may have a length of at least 18 millimeters. In a particular embodiment, the length of the atrial anchoring arms 2440 may be 14.5 millimeters, for example. The length of the atrial anchoring arms may be a length extending between the proximal arm end (e.g., proximal arm end 3020) and the terminal arm end (e.g., terminal arm end 2444), in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve (as represented by length 2580 in FIG. 2E). Because of the long length of the atrial anchoring arms 2440, the atrial anchoring arms may be configured to engage a large circumference of native heart valve tissue, thus preventing the prosthetic valve from axially migrating out of the native valve annulus (e.g., preventing the prosthetic valve from floating out of mitral valve 9030 and into ventricle 9020).

Further, the exemplary prosthetic valve may be configured to have an axial length of two centimeters or less due to the arrangement of the atrial anchoring arms 2440 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240 on the inner frame 2400 and outer frame 2200, respectively. In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 3A, inner frame tubular portion 3005 may be constructed of a plurality of struts intersecting at junctions to form closed cells 3012 and 3014, which may be diamond-shaped when inner frame 2400 is in the radially-expanded configuration depicted in FIG. 3A. When inner frame 2400 radially expands between the radially-contracted and radially-expanded configurations, cells 3012 and 3014 may widen (so as to increase the radius of inner frame 2400) and may also be reduced in height. As a result, radial expansion of inner frame 2400 may reduce the axial length of the inner frame, due to the arrangement of the inner frame struts. Outer frame 2400 may be similarly configured. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, outer frame tubular portion 3605 may be constructed of a plurality of struts intersecting at junctions to form closed cells 3616, which may be chevron-shaped when outer frame 2200 is in the radially-expanded configuration depicted in FIG. 3C. Similar to the cells of inner frame 2400, outer frame cells 3616 may be widened and reduced in height when the outer frame 2200 radially expands. Thus, radial expansion of outer frame 2200 may reduce the axial length of the outer frame, due to the arrangement of the outer frame struts.

In some embodiments, radial expansion of annular valve body 2020 (which may include inner frame tubular portion 3005 and outer frame tubular portion 3605) may decrease the distance between the atrial anchoring arms 2440 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240. For example, FIG. 5D illustrates a configuration in which arms 2440 and legs 2240 are radially-expanded, but annular valve body 2020 remains radially-contracted. In this configuration, the prosthetic valve may include an axial distance 5004 between the arms 2440 and legs 2240, with the terminal leg ends 2244 situated in a ventricular direction from the arms 2440. In some embodiments, when the prosthetic valve is arranged in the configuration of FIG. 5D, native valve tissue may be retained between atrial anchoring arms 2440 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240, thus holding the prosthetic valve within the native heart valve. However, the prosthetic valve may still be repositioned relative to the native heart valve in the configuration of FIG. 5D, since the heart valve tissue is not yet clamped between the arms 2440 and legs 2240. As illustrated in FIG. 5E, radial expansion of the annular valve body 2020 may reduce or eliminate the distance 5004 between the arms and legs; instead, the atrial anchoring arms 2440 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240 may be arranged in the aforementioned overlapping configuration, with the arms 2440 and legs 2240 arranged in a common lateral plane, after annular valve body 2020 is radially expanded. As a result, native valve tissue may be clamped or sandwiched between the arms 2440 and leg 2240, thus securely anchoring the prosthetic valve within the native heart valve.

As discussed above, radial expansion of the inner frame 2400 and outer frame 2200 may result in axial shortening of the inner and outer frames. This axial shortening of the inner and outer frames may cause features mounted on the inner and outer frames to be positioned further apart when the frames are radially-contracted and to be drawn closer together when the frames are radially-expanded. For example, with reference to FIG. 3A, atrial anchoring arms 2440 may be positioned further away from other portions of the inner frame, such as the atrial end inner frame junctions 3002 and ventricular end inner frame junctions 3004, when the inner frame 2400 is radially-contracted. Radial expansion of the inner frame 2400 may axially displace the atrial anchoring arms 2440, drawing the arms closer to the other portions of the inner frame (such as junctions 3002 and 3004) due to the axial shortening of the inner frame. With reference to FIG. 3C, ventricular anchoring legs 2240 may similarly be positioned further from other portions of the outer frame 2200 when the outer frame is radially-contracted. Radial expansion of the outer frame 2200 may axially displace the ventricular anchoring legs 2240, drawing legs arms closer to other portions of the outer frame 2200 due to the axial shortening of the outer frame.

In some embodiments, arrangement of the atrial anchoring arms 2440 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240 on separate frames may allow the prosthetic valve to provide distance 5004 between the arms and legs while the annular valve body 2020 is radially-contracted, and to reduce or remove distance 5004 upon radial expansion of the annular valve body 2020. In some embodiments, when the annular valve body 2020 is radially-expanded, the axial displacement of the atrial anchoring arms 2440 caused by expansion of the inner frame 2400 may be combined with the axial displacement of the ventricular anchoring legs 2240 caused by expansion of the outer frame 2200. As a result, the arms 2440 and legs 2240 may be spaced apart prior to expansion of the annular valve body 2020, providing distance 5004 between the atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs, the distance being large enough to permit repositioning of the prosthetic valve relative to the native heart valve. In addition, the combined axial displacements of the atrial anchoring arms 2440 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240 associated with expansion of the annular valve body 2020 may allow distance 5004 to be reduced or removed when the annular valve body is radially expanded, thus enabling the atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs to assume the overlapping configuration in which the atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs overlap in the common lateral plane.

If the atrial anchoring arms 2440 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240 were instead positioned in a single frame, the prosthetic valve would not achieve the combined axial displacements of the inner frame 2400 and outer frame 2200, discussed above. As a result, if the atrial anchoring arms 2440 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240 were positioned on a single frame, the axial length of the prosthetic valve would need to be significantly extended beyond a length of two centimeters, for example, to allow the atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs to be positioned sufficiently far apart to achieve the distance 5004 between them, and to reduce or remove the distance 5004 between the atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs when the single frame is radially-expanded. Accordingly, the exemplary prosthetic valve may be configured to have an axial length of two centimeters or less due to the combined axial displacement associated with positioning the atrial anchoring arms 2440 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240 on the inner frame 2400 and outer frame 2200, respectively.

In some embodiments, the prosthetic valve may be configured to protrude a distance of 15 millimeters or less into a ventricle of the heart when the prosthetic valve is implanted within a native heart valve. In some embodiments, the distance by which the prosthetic valve protrudes into the ventricle (known as the “protrusion distance”) may be determined by the axial distance between the ventricular end of the prosthetic valve and a portion of the prosthetic valve configured to engage the atrial side of a native atrioventricular valve. For example, in FIG. 2D, length 2540 represents the protrusion distance. Accordingly, in some embodiments protrusion distance 2540 may have a length of 15 millimeters or less. Protrusion distance 2540 may be equal to the axial length between the ventricular end 2025 of the annular valve body 2020 (which may include the ventricular end inner frame junctions 3004 and the ventricular end outer frame junctions 3604) and arm portion 3508 (which may constitute the boundary between intermediate arm portion 3504 and distal arm portion 3506 of the atrial anchoring arm). In some embodiments, the location of arm portion 3508 may define one end of the protrusion distance 2540 because arm portion 3508 may be situated in a ventricular direction relative to the rest of the intermediate arm portion 3504 and distal arm portion 3506.

The prosthetic valve may be configured to have a protrusion distance of 15 millimeters or less because the axial length of the prosthetic valve may be approximately two centimeters or less. That is, because the overall axial length of the prosthetic valve is short (i.e., two centimeters or less), the prosthetic valve may accordingly be configured to protrude into the ventricle by a distance of approximately 15 millimeters or less. The remaining axial length of the prosthetic valve (that is, the difference in length between the axial length of the prosthetic valve and the protrusion distance) may correspond to portions of the prosthetic valve situated within the mitral valve annulus and within the atrium (e.g., atrial anchoring arms 2440).

In some embodiments, an entire length of at least one ventricular anchoring leg may be configured to extend in a non-ventricular direction. For example, at least a portion of the at least one ventricular anchoring leg may be configured to extend in an atrial direction. Additionally, or alternatively, at least a portion of the at least one ventricular anchoring leg may be configured to extend laterally, in a direction perpendicular to a ventricular direction. In some embodiments, the entire length of the at least one ventricular anchoring leg may refer to the leg portions extending between, and including, proximal leg end 3622 and terminal leg end 2244. In some embodiments, the entire length of the at least one ventricular anchoring leg may be configured to extend in a non-ventricular direction when the leg is in a radially-contracted configuration. For example, as depicted in FIG. 5A, the entire length of ventricular anchoring leg 2240 (including proximal leg end 3622 and terminal leg end 2244) extends in an atrial direction when the ventricular anchoring leg is in the radially-contracted configuration. Additionally, or alternatively, the entire length of the at least one ventricular anchoring leg may be configured to extend in a non-ventricular direction when the ventricular anchoring leg is in a radially-expanded configuration. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 3C and 5E, the entire length of ventricular anchoring leg 2240 (including proximal leg end 3622 and terminal leg end 2244) extends in an atrial direction when the ventricular anchoring leg is in the radially-expanded configuration.

In some embodiments, at least one atrial anchoring arm may include a first portion configured to extend in an atrial direction and a second portion configured to extend in a ventricular direction. For example, FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary atrial anchoring arm 2440 having a proximal arm portion 3502, an intermediate arm portion 3504, and a distal arm portion 3506. In some embodiments, the proximal arm portion 3502 may be configured to extend in an atrial direction from arm attachment junction 3202 (not depicted in FIG. 3B). In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the entire length of proximal arm portion 3502 may be configured to extend in an atrial direction (i.e., in an upward direction in FIG. 3B). Atrial anchoring arm 2440 may include a bend at a transition between proximal arm portion 3502 and intermediate arm portion 3504. As a result, in some embodiments, intermediate arm portion 3504 may be configured to extend in a ventricular direction (i.e., in a downward direction in FIG. 3B). Accordingly, intermediate arm portion 3504 may constitute the second portion of the at least one atrial anchoring arm in some embodiments. Atrial anchoring arm 2440 may include a second bend at the transition between intermediate arm portion 3504 and distal arm portion 3506 (that is, arm portion 3508 illustrated in FIG. 2D). As a result, in some embodiments, distal arm portion 3506 may be configured to extend in an atrial direction. In some embodiments, at least one of the proximal arm portion 3502 and the distal arm portion 3506 may constitute the first portion of the at least one atrial anchoring arm.

In some embodiments, a diameter defined by terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms may be at least twice as large as a diameter of an inlet opening of the inner frame. In some embodiments, the inlet opening may be an opening or aperture at the atrial end of the inner frame. For example, in FIG. 2A, inner frame 2400 includes an atrial inlet opening 2032, which may be an opening at the atrial end of the axial lumen 2022 of annular valve body 2020 (illustrated in FIG. 2B). In some embodiments, the inlet opening may be configured as an opening or aperture through which blood or other fluid within the atrium may enter the axial lumen of the annular valve body. The blood or other fluid may flow along the axial lumen and exit into the ventricle. In some embodiments, the inlet opening may be bounded by the inner surface of the atrial end of the inner frame. For example, in FIG. 2D, atrial inlet opening 2032 may be bounded by inner surface 4020 of atrial end inner frame junctions 3002, which may form the atrial end of inner frame 2400 and of annular valve body 2020. Longitudinal axis 2800 may extend through the center of atrial inlet opening 2032.

In some embodiments, the inlet opening of the inner frame may have a diameter of between 24 millimeters and 32 millimeters. For example, length 2520 depicted in FIG. 2D represents the radius of the atrial inlet opening 2032; accordingly, the diameter of atrial inlet opening 2032 may be twice as long as radius 2520. In some embodiments, and without limitation, the inlet opening of the inner frame may have a diameter of 24 millimeters, 24.5 millimeters, 25 millimeters, 25.5 millimeters, 26 millimeters, 26.5 millimeters, 27 millimeters, 27.5 millimeters, 28 millimeters, 28.5 millimeters, 29 millimeters, 29.5 millimeters, 30 millimeters, 30.5 millimeters, 31 millimeters, 31.5 millimeters, 32 millimeters, or any other suitable diameter length.

In some embodiments, the atrial anchoring arms may be positioned at a regular interval about a circumference of the exemplary prosthetic valve. For example, FIG. 2E illustrates an arrangement of atrial anchoring arms 2440 about the circumference of annular valve body 2020. The terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms may form a circumference, which may extend around the inner frame and the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve. For example, in FIG. 2E, terminal arm ends 2444 may define an atrial anchoring arm circumference 2640, which may extend about the inner frame of the exemplary prosthetic valve. In some embodiments, the diameter of the circumference defined by the terminal arm ends (e.g., the diameter of atrial anchoring arm circumference 2640 in FIG. 2E) may be at least twice as large as the diameter of the inner frame inlet opening (e.g., the diameter of atrial inlet opening 2032 in FIG. 2D).

In some embodiments, the radius of the circumference defined by the terminal arm ends (e.g., the radius of atrial anchoring arm circumference 2640) may be equal to the radius of the inner frame inlet opening (e.g., the radius of atrial inlet opening 2032) plus the length of at least one atrial anchoring arm. In some embodiments, the length of the at least one atrial anchoring arm may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve. For example, in FIG. 2E, length 2580 may represent the length of the atrial anchoring arms 2440. Because FIG. 2E illustrates a top plan view of valve frame 2000, length 2580 may be perpendicular to longitudinal axis 2800 in FIG. 2D. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the radius of atrial anchoring arm circumference 2640 may be equal to the length of the atrial inlet opening radius 2520 (illustrated in FIG. 2D) plus the length 2580 of the atrial anchoring arms 2440 (illustrated in FIG. 2E).

In some embodiments, the atrial anchoring arms may have a length of between 12 millimeters and 18 millimeters. The length of the atrial anchoring arms may be a length extending between the proximal arm end (e.g., proximal arm end 3020) and the terminal arm end (e.g., terminal arm end 2444), in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve (as represented by length 2580 in FIG. 2E). For example, and without limitation, the atrial anchoring arms may have a length of 12 millimeters, 12.5 millimeters, 13 millimeters, 13.5 millimeters, 14 millimeters, 14.5 millimeters, 15 millimeters, 15.5 millimeters, 16 millimeters, 16.5 millimeters, 17 millimeters, 17.5 millimeters, 18 millimeters, or any other suitable length.

In some embodiments, the axial length of the prosthetic valve may be at least as large as the radius of the inlet opening of the inner frame. For example, in some embodiments, the axial length of the prosthetic valve may be approximately two centimeters or less (i.e., 20 millimeters or less). In addition, in some embodiments (and as discussed above), the inlet opening of the inner frame may have a diameter of between 24 millimeters and 32 millimeters. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the inlet opening of the inner frame may have a radius of between 12 millimeters and 16 millimeters.

In some embodiments, an axial length of the inner frame may be at least as large as the radius of the inlet opening of the inner frame. For example, according to embodiments in which the prosthetic valve has an axial length of two centimeters or less, the inlet opening of the inner frame (e.g., atrial inlet opening 2032 illustrated in FIG. 2D) may have a radius of approximately 13.5 millimeters or less, while the annular valve body of the prosthetic valve (e.g., annular valve body 2020 illustrated in FIG. 2D) may have an axial length of approximately 15 millimeters or less. Thus, the axial length of the annular valve body of the prosthetic valve is at least as large as the radius of the inlet opening of the inner frame. In addition, the inner frame may be configured to have an axial length equal to the axial length of the annular valve body. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 2D, inner frame 2400 may span the entire axial length of annular valve body 2020, with the inner frame 2400 and annular valve body 2020 sharing common atrial ends 2024 and ventricular ends 2025. Accordingly, the axial length of the inner frame may also be at least as large as the radius of the inlet opening of the inner frame. For example, according to embodiments in which the prosthetic valve has an axial length of two centimeters or less, the inlet opening of the inner frame may have a radius of 13.5 millimeters or less, while the inner frame may have an axial length of 15 millimeters or less.

In some embodiments, the exemplary prosthetic valve may include a plurality of leaflets secured within the inner frame. For example, FIG. 6C illustrates an embodiment in which leaflets 6602 and 6604 (as well as leaflet 6606, which is not depicted in FIG. 6C) are secured within inner frame 2400. Leaflets 6602, 6604, and 6606 may be configured to regulate blood flow through the lumen 2022 of the prosthetic valve. In some embodiments, at least one of the leaflets may have a radius of between thirteen millimeters and fifteen millimeters. For example, according to embodiments in which the prosthetic valve has an axial length of two centimeters or less, the annular valve body of the prosthetic valve may have an atrial inlet opening radius (e.g., radius 2520 illustrated in FIG. 2D) of approximately 13.5 millimeters or less, as well as an axial length (e.g., height 2530 illustrated in FIG. 2D) of approximately 15 millimeters or less. This configuration of the annular valve body may permit leaflets 6602, 6604, and 6606 to coapt, and may also permit the prosthetic valve to have an axial length of approximately two centimeters or less.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the axial length of the prosthetic valve may be at least as large as the radius of at least one of the leaflets secured within the inner frame. In the above example, the prosthetic valve may have an axial length of two centimeters or less (i.e., 20 millimeters or less), while at least one of leaflets 6602, 6604, and 6606 may have a radius of between 13 millimeters and 15 millimeters. Additionally, or alternatively, an axial length of the inner frame may be at least as large as a radius of at least one of the leaflets secured within the inner frame. In the above example, the annular valve body may have an axial length of 15 millimeters or less, while at least one of leaflets 6602, 6604, and 6606 may have a radius of between 13 millimeters and 15 millimeters. In addition, the inner frame may be configured to have an axial length equal to the axial length of the annular valve body. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 2D, inner frame 2400 may span the entire axial length of annular valve body 2020, with the inner frame 2400 and annular valve body 2020 sharing common atrial ends 2024 and ventricular ends 2025. Accordingly, the inner frame may also have an axial length of 15 millimeters or less.

In some embodiments, a diameter defined by the terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms may be at least 1.2 times larger than a diameter defined by terminal ends of the ventricular anchoring legs. For example, as discussed above in reference to FIG. 2E, terminal arm ends 2444 of the atrial anchoring arms 2440 may define an atrial anchoring arm circumference 2640, which may extend about annular valve body 2020. Similarly, the terminal leg ends 2244 of the ventricular anchoring legs 2240 may define a ventricular anchoring leg circumference 2620, which may also extend about the annular valve body 2020 and may be concentric with atrial anchoring arm circumference 2640. In some embodiments, the diameter of atrial anchoring arm circumference 2640 may be at least 1.2 times larger than ventricular anchoring leg circumference 2620.

In some embodiments, the radius of the circumference defined by the terminal leg ends (e.g., the radius of ventricular anchoring leg circumference 2620) may be equal to the radius of the inner frame inlet opening (e.g., the radius of atrial inlet opening 2032) plus the length of at least one ventricular anchoring leg. In some embodiments, the length of the at least one ventricular anchoring leg may extend in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve. For example, in FIG. 2E, length 2590 may represent the length of the ventricular anchoring legs 2240. Because FIG. 2E illustrates a top plan view of valve frame 2000, length 2590 may be perpendicular to longitudinal axis 2800 in FIG. 2D. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the radius of ventricular anchoring leg circumference 2620 may be equal to the length of the atrial inlet opening radius 2520 (illustrated in FIG. 2D) plus the length 2590 of the ventricular anchoring legs 2240 (illustrated in FIG. 2E).

In some embodiments, the ventricular anchoring legs may have a length of between six (6) millimeters and 12 millimeters. The length of the ventricular anchoring legs may be a length extending between the proximal leg end (e.g., proximal leg end 3622) and the terminal leg end (e.g., terminal leg end 2244), in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve (as represented by length 2590 in FIG. 2E). For example, and without limitation, the ventricular anchoring legs may have a length of 6 millimeters, 6.5 millimeters, 7 millimeters, 7.5 millimeters, 8 millimeters, 8.5 millimeters, 9 millimeters, 9.5 millimeters, 10 millimeters, 10.5 millimeters, 11 millimeters, 11.5 millimeters, 12 millimeters, or any other suitable length.

In some embodiments, a diameter defined by the terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms may be at least 2.5 times larger than the axial length of the prosthetic valve. For example, and as discussed above, the prosthetic valve may be configured to have an axial length of two centimeters (20 millimeters) or less, in some embodiments. The prosthetic valve may be configured to have such a short axial length due, at least in part, to the small radius of the annular valve body of the prosthetic valve. In addition, due to the small radius of the annular valve body, the atrial anchoring arms may be configured so that the terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms may form an outer circumference large enough to keep the prosthetic valve anchored within the native heart valve. That is, the circumference formed by the terminal arm ends may have a diameter large enough to prevent the prosthetic valve from axially migrating out of the native valve annulus (e.g., preventing the prosthetic valve from floating out of mitral valve 9030 and into ventricle 9020).

In some embodiments, the circumference defined by the terminal arm ends of the atrial anchoring arms (e.g., the atrial anchoring arm circumference 2640 in FIG. 2E) may have a diameter of between 50 millimeters and 65 millimeters. For example, and without limitation, the diameter defined by the terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms may have a length of 50 millimeters, 50.5 millimeters, 51 millimeters, 51.5 millimeters, 52 millimeters, 52.5 millimeters, 53 millimeters, 53.5 millimeters, 54 millimeters, 54.5 millimeters, 55 millimeters, 55.5 millimeters, 56 millimeters, 56.5 millimeters, 57 millimeters, 57.5 millimeters, 58 millimeters, 58.5 millimeters, 59 millimeters, 59.5 millimeters, 60 millimeters, 60.5 millimeters, 61 millimeters, 61.5 millimeters, 62 millimeters, 62.5 millimeters, 63 millimeters, 63.5 millimeters, 64 millimeters, 64.5 millimeters, 65 millimeters, or any other suitable diameter length. Advantageously, the large circumference defined by the distal arm ends may enable to atrial anchoring arms to engage a large circumference of tissue around the native heart valve, thus securing the prosthetic valve against axial migration relative to the native heart valve.

In some embodiments, the diameter defined by the terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms may be between 2.6 and 2.9 times larger than the axial length of the prosthetic valve. For example, in the embodiments discussed above, the prosthetic valve may have an axial length of two centimeters (20 millimeters) or less, and a circumference defined by the terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms may include, and is not limited to, a diameter of between 52 millimeters and 58 millimeters.

In some embodiments, the inner frame may have an axial length longer than an axial length of the annular outer frame, relative to the longitudinal axis of the exemplary prosthetic valve. In some embodiments, the inner frame, including the inner frame tubular portion and the plurality of atrial anchoring arms, may have a greater axial length than the outer frame, including the outer frame tubular portion and the plurality of ventricular anchoring legs. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2D, device height 2560 may represent the axial length of inner frame 2400, including inner frame tubular portion 3005 and atrial anchoring arms 2440. Similarly, outer frame height 2550 may represent the axial length of outer frame 2200, including outer frame tubular portion 3605 and ventricular anchoring legs 2240. As illustrated in FIG. 2D, device height 2560 may be greater than outer frame height 2550.

Additionally, or alternatively, the inner frame tubular portion may have a greater axial length than the outer frame tubular portion, relative to the longitudinal axis of the exemplary prosthetic valve. In some embodiments, the inner frame tubular portion and outer frame tubular portion may together constitute the annular valve body. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2D, inner frame tubular portion height 2530 may represent the axial length of inner frame tubular portion 3005. Inner frame tubular portion height 2530 may extend axially between atrial end inner frame junctions 3002 and ventricular end inner frame junctions 3004. Similarly, outer frame tubular portion height 2570 may represent the axial length of outer frame tubular portion 3605. Outer frame tubular portion height 2570 may extend axially between atrial end outer frame junctions 3602 and ventricular end outer frame junctions 3604. As illustrated in FIG. 2D, inner frame tubular portion height 2530 may be greater than outer frame tubular portion height 2570.

In some embodiments, the ventricular ends of the inner frame and outer frame may be substantially aligned in a common lateral plane; that is, the ventricular ends of the inner frame and outer frame may be arranged at the same axial position relative to the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve. For example, in FIG. 2D, ventricular end inner frame junctions 3004 may be substantially aligned in a common lateral plane with ventricular end outer frame junctions 3604. Further, the atrial end of the inner frame may extend in an atrial direction beyond the atrial end of the outer frame (that is, the atrial end of the inner frame may be positioned above the atrial end of the outer frame in FIG. 2D). For example, in FIG. 2D, the atrial end inner frame junctions 3002 may be positioned in an atrial direction from the atrial end outer frame junctions 3602.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of at least one ventricular anchoring leg may be configured to be substantially aligned in a common lateral plane with the atrial end of the inner frame. That is, a portion of the at least one ventricular anchoring leg and the atrial end of the inner frame may be arranged at the same axial position relative to the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve. In some embodiments, the terminal end of the at least one ventricular anchoring leg (e.g., terminal leg end 2244) may be arranged in a common lateral plane with the atrial end of the inner frame (e.g., atrial end inner frame junctions 3002). Additionally, or alternatively, another portion of the at least one ventricular anchoring leg may be arranged in a common lateral plane with the atrial end of the inner frame.

In some embodiments, at least one ventricular anchoring leg may be configured to extend from a single portion of the annular outer frame. For example, each ventricular anchoring leg may be connected to, or may otherwise extend from, a single portion of the annular outer frame. For example, in FIG. 2A, each ventricular anchoring leg 2240 may be connected to the annular outer frame 2200 at a single leg attachment junction 3802. Additionally, or alternatively, none of the ventricular anchoring legs may share a common connection point to the annular outer frame. For example, in FIG. 2A, each leg attachment junction 3802 of the annular outer frame 2200 may be connected to a single ventricular anchoring leg 2240.

In some embodiments, at least one atrial anchoring arm may be configured to extend from a single portion of the inner frame. For example, each atrial anchoring arm may be connected to, or may otherwise extend from, a single portion of the inner frame. For example, in FIG. 2A, each atrial anchoring arm 2440 may be connected to the inner frame 2400 at a single arm attachment junction 3202. Additionally, or alternatively, none of the atrial anchoring arms may share a common connection point to the inner frame. For example, in FIG. 2A, each arm attachment junction 3202 of the inner frame 2400 may be connected to a single atrial anchoring arm 2440.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limited to precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations of the embodiments will be apparent from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. For example, while certain components have been described as being coupled to one another, such components may be integrated with one another or distributed in any suitable fashion.

Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, the scope includes any and all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across various embodiments), adaptations and/or alterations based on the present disclosure. The elements in the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as nonexclusive. Further, the steps of the disclosed methods can be modified in any manner, including reordering steps and/or inserting or deleting steps.

The features and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended that the appended claims cover all systems and methods falling within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. As used herein, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” mean “one or more.” Similarly, the use of a plural term does not necessarily denote a plurality unless it is unambiguous in the given context. Words such as “and” or “or” mean “and/or” unless specifically directed otherwise. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur from studying the present disclosure, it is not desired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and, accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the disclosure.

Other embodiments will be apparent from consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as example only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments being indicated by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A prosthetic valve for implantation within a native heart valve, the prosthetic valve comprising: an annular outer frame having a plurality of ventricular anchoring legs configured to extend therefrom; and an inner frame positioned at least partially within the annular outer frame, the inner frame having a plurality of atrial anchoring arms configured to extend therefrom, wherein a portion of each of the plurality of ventricular anchoring legs is configured to overlap with a portion of each of the plurality of atrial anchoring arms in a common lateral plane.
 2. The prosthetic valve of claim 1, wherein the common lateral plane is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve.
 3. The prosthetic valve of claim 1, wherein the atrial anchoring arms and ventricular anchoring legs are configured to extend radially outward from the inner frame and from the annular outer frame, respectively.
 4. The prosthetic valve of claim 1, wherein the prosthetic valve has an axial length of two centimeters or less.
 5. The prosthetic valve of claim 1, wherein the prosthetic valve is configured to protrude a distance of 15 millimeters or less into a ventricle of the heart when the prosthetic valve is implanted within the native heart valve.
 6. The prosthetic valve of claim 1, wherein an entire length of at least one ventricular anchoring leg is configured to extend in a non-ventricular direction.
 7. The prosthetic valve of claim 1, wherein at least one atrial anchoring arm includes: a first portion configured to extend in an atrial direction; and a second portion configured to extend in a ventricular direction.
 8. The prosthetic valve of claim 1, wherein a diameter defined by terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms is at least twice as large as a diameter of an inlet opening of the inner frame.
 9. The prosthetic valve of claim 1, wherein an axial length of the prosthetic valve is at least as large as a radius of an inlet opening of the inner frame.
 10. The prosthetic valve of claim 1, wherein an axial length of the inner frame is at least as large as a radius of an inlet opening of the inner frame.
 11. The prosthetic valve of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of leaflets secured within the inner frame, at least one of the leaflets having a radius of between thirteen and fifteen millimeters.
 12. The prosthetic valve of claim 11, wherein an axial length of the prosthetic valve is at least as large as the radius of at least one of the leaflets secured within the inner frame.
 13. The prosthetic valve of claim 11, wherein an axial length of the inner frame is at least as large as a radius of at least one of the leaflets secured within the inner frame.
 14. The prosthetic valve of claim 1, wherein a diameter defined by terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms is at least 1.2 times larger than a diameter defined by terminal ends of the ventricular anchoring legs.
 15. The prosthetic valve of claim 1, wherein a diameter defined by terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms is at least 2.5 times larger than an axial length of the prosthetic valve.
 16. The prosthetic valve of claim 15, wherein the diameter defined by the terminal ends of the atrial anchoring arms is between 2.6 and 2.9 times larger than the axial length of the prosthetic valve.
 17. The prosthetic valve of claim 1, wherein the inner frame has a greater axial length than the annular outer frame.
 18. The prosthetic valve of claim 1, wherein a portion of at least one ventricular anchoring leg is configured to be substantially aligned in a common lateral plane with an atrial end of the inner frame.
 19. The prosthetic valve of claim 1, wherein at least one ventricular anchoring leg is configured to extend from a single portion of the annular outer frame, and wherein none of the ventricular anchoring legs share a common connection point to the annular outer frame.
 20. The prosthetic valve of claim 1, wherein at least one atrial anchoring arm is configured to extend from a single portion of the inner frame, and wherein none of the atrial anchoring arms share a common connection point to the inner frame. 